Useful Information – April 2024
March 28, 2024
Events, training, charity news, surveys, research, feedback, reports, services and much more – in one handy place!
This page will be updated with new information as we receive it during March. Please check back regularly. (Last update: 18/04/24 – items added on this date are marked as [NEW])
You’ll also find the latest Health and Wellbeing news, events and opportunities in the current post on our News page here.
You can view last month’s Useful Information here to catch up on new information added during March ’24.
For useful resources, information and news, updates on our climate commitment, blog posts from colleagues about what they’re doing (in a work capacity and privately) to minimise environmental impact and more take a look at Cumbria CVS Green
If you’ve seen something you think we should be sharing, let us know! Email us: info@cumbriacvs.org.uk
Looking for funding information? Check out the latest edition of Focus on Funding here
Training and Events
Finance training for charity trustees
Tuesday 23 April, online. Could your charity board use some help with tackling complex financial information and making important decisions for your organisation?
Led by experts from accountancy firm BDO, this online course will guide you through all of the areas of charity finance such as annual reporting, budgeting, tax, audit, investments and much more.
Evaluation Visualisation Design Tool (EViD) Workshop
16 May, online. New to considering evaluation or just looking to explore some new options to improve what you do?
This free 2 hr on-line workshop is for you – learn how to use the easy-to-use EvID tool to evaluate any group, service or project big or small using this great free resource.
Network event: Getting to work on Modern Slavery in Cumbria
Thursday 16 May, Carlisle. Keynote presentations by The Clewer Initiative, on County Lines and the Care Sector. Click on the thumbnail image for more information.
Email jo@churchestogethercumbria.org.uk to book your place
Barrow Veterans Focus Group
20 April, Barrow. More information about this focus group for veterans and families can be found by clicking the thumbnail image.
School of Social Enterprise
Are you thinking of starting your own business? Why not start your own Social Enterprise instead?
Applications are OPEN for the brand new School of Social Enterprise, an inspired idea from Cumbria Social Enterprise Partnership, who are keen to champion the formation of more Social Enterprises in Cumbria. Starting a social enterprise means running a purpose driven business, and lets you make a positive impact and connect with your community.
Maryport – 25 & 26 April (cohort 1)
Millom – 1 & 2 May (cohort 2)
Getting Started on TikTok for charities
Thursday, 18 April, Online. This session is for charities and community groups who would like to start a TikTok channels but aren’t sure where to start.
During this interactive webinar, you’ll explore key details you need to know including the fundamentals, audience insights, examples of best practice and mistakes to avoid.
Accessibility Lunch & Learn
Wednesday 24 April, Barrow. Vision Support Barrow & District will be hosting an Accessibility Lunch & Learn event to give you the chance to learn more about how to make events you host, services you provide, and your online presence accessible to everyone. Plus, you’ll get a free lunch from us.
Recommend for anyone who works on in-person events or your online presence (e.g. social media, website, etc.). The event is FREE to attend – reserve spaces in advance as these are limited.
Webinar: Artificial intelligence and digital inclusion
11 April, online. Experts from the charity sector and beyond explore how AI is already impacting people and communities, the meanings of AI safety and AI literacy, and how charitable organisations can take action on digital and AI inclusion.
Capital Fundraising Masterclass
Monday 3 June, online. This NEW Capital Fundraising MASTERCLASS will dive into a practical approach that will make fundraising for Capital projects easier, and increase your chances of fundraising success!
Stewardship Masterclass
Tuesday 14 May, online. In this NEW Stewardship MASTERCLASS, Get Grants will breakdown how your ability to build strong, authentic relationships with your donors, funders, and partners WILL have an impact on your level of success.
Bid Writing Credibility Masterclass
Thursday 25 April, online. In this NEW Bid Writing Credibility MASTERCLASS, you will learn how to take a step back and look at your organisation from the funder’s perspective.
We invite you to ask: why would they trust YOU with a grant?
Introduction to Bid Writing for Charities & Community Groups Workshop
Tuesday 23 April, online. This Introduction to Bid Writing for Charities & Community Group course is one of Get Grants’ most popular and in-demand courses.
This workshop will give you an understanding of what this entails, build your confidence and provide inspiration!
Introduction to Management for Fundraisers Workshop
Thursday 11 April, online. This Introduction to Management for Fundraisers Workshop will provide valuable tips and tricks on how to be a successful manager so that you can lead your fundraising team (now or in future) with confidence!
Virtual Fundraisers Networking
Monday 29 April, online. There has never been a greater need for fundraisers to get together and share knowledge and experience.
Get Grants FREE Virtual Fundraisers Networking Events bring fundraisers together to access friendly peer-support from our UK-wide Get Grants Community.
Safety Net (UK) Fire Fest
20 April, Armathwaite. The event will consist of the opportunity to do a Fire Walk for aged 16+ (£20pp and to aim to raise £100), a Lego Walk for all ages (free to participate but aim to raise £20), there will be music, stalls, arts and crafts corner and a festival feel to event.
General Admission to Fire Fest is free but we are asking people to register so we have a true idea of numbers so that it can be catered for appropriately.
Click on the thumbnail image for more information.
Storytelling for Fundraising Training Course
Telling stories is a powerful tool that is too often overlooked. Stories are used to engage, inform, persuade, and create connections between people. As a fundraiser, storytelling is a valuable skill that can be used to influence your potential supporters and maximise on your fundraising efforts.
Get Grants Storytelling for Fundraising Training Course is designed to support fundraisers to improve their fundraising confidence and success through effective use of storytelling.
Upcoming course: Thursday 18 April & Thursday 25 April 2024
The Big Help Out 2024
Returning for its second year, The Big Help Out 2024 is taking place across the weekend of 7-9 June, at the end of Volunteers’ Week. NCVO are hosting webinars to help volunteer-involving organisations to develop and plan their involvement in the campaign, which this year has a key focus on supporting underrepresented communities in volunteering.
All webinars will include the latest campaign news, support to use the digital platform and practical insights around encouraging greater diversity. The webinars are free and you are welcome to attend more than one, subject to availability.
Open webinar for any volunteer-involving organisations: 3 April at 10am.
VCFSE News and Information
[NEW] How to make charity workplaces more autism-friendly
According to the National Autistic Society, just three in 10 people with autism are in employment. In this online blog from New Philanthropy Capital, Consultant Rose Anderson shares her personal reflections on how autism has shaped her career.
She goes on to share her top tips on creating an inclusive and more autism-friendly workplace to support people with autism into employment.
[NEW] Supporting perinatal mental health
Ways to Wellness recently held a regional Child Health and Wellbeing Network Huddle, showcasing how social prescribing can support perinatal mental health and sharing learning from their Maternal Mental Health prototypes project.
In this blog, Ang Broadbridge, who is Ways to Wellness’ VCSE Maternal Mental Health Project Manager, runs through the key takeaways from the huddle.
[NEW] New service to explore local statistics
The Office for National Statistics have released a new service to explore local statistics. It brings together 57 local data sets including housing, household income, health and business information amongst other things.
It is currently in a testing stage, but data can be extracted by local authority area and parliamentary constituency, and is presented with useful reference data such as national average.
Fundraising Regulator changes policy on naming charities that breach code
The Fundraising Regulator has announced that it will change the way it publicly reports charities that have failed to act on requests to opt-out of marketing communications.
Its Fundraising Preference Service (FPS) allows members of the public to request to stop direct market communications from charities registered in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Cumberland Council Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 08/04/24 here, including:
- Wellness scheme expanded
- Drumming, gardening and climbing receive investment
- Grass roots projects get investment boost
Everything you need to know about volunteers and volunteering
Take a look at the benefits of volunteering, how to recruit and manage volunteers, the importance of volunteer management systems, and explore volunteering opportunities across the world.
How to get started with AI in fundraising
Find out how fundraisers can take their first steps with artificial intelligence (AI), with insights from Charity Digital’s Digital Fundraising Summit’s Executive Panel.
How charities can use WhatsApp Channels
Explore WhatsApp’s newest feature, Channels, and what it means for charities.
Westmorland and Furness Council Newsletter
View the Westmorland and Furness Council newsletter from 05/04/24 here, including:
- Major new grant fund will help arts, heritage and culture to thrive
- The County of Cumbria celebrated its 50th Anniversary
- How we apply to vote by post and proxy is changing
The ethics of web scraping
Learn about the basics of AI web scraping and hear different perspectives on the opportunities and threats it poses for charities.
An A-Z glossary of cyber security terms and definitions
An extensive glossary of all the phrases and terminology associated with cyber attacks and cyber security, from ransomware to malware, from ‘pig butchering’ to data poisoning.
The fundamentals of third-party cyber security
Why charities must ensure that their suppliers, contractors, and partnerships prioritise cyber security and what they need to ask for.
Turning Pain into Power: A Charter for Organisations Engaging Abuse Survivors in Projects, Research & Service Development
This charter has been produced by a national survivor-led organisation Survivors’ Voices, in partnership with King’s College London and the Wellcome Foundation.
The authors are all ‘survivor activists’ trying to turn the pain of what has happened to them into power that changes things.
Local authority dashboard
The Health Foundation’s local authority dashboard brings together data and insights on the state of health and health inequalities across all local authorities in England.
Explore how our health is shaped by factors such as housing, employment and income, and explore differences between neighbourhoods in each local authority.
New service to explore local statistics
The Office for National Statistics have just released a new service to explore local statistics. It brings together 57 local data sets including housing, household income, health and business information amongst other things.
It is currently in a testing stage, but data can be extracted by local authority area and parliamentary constituency, and is presented with useful reference data such as national average.
Check out the new service here
Campaigning and political activity
With a general election likely to take place this year, it is important that you work with of the rules around charities, campaigning and political activity.
ACEVO and NCVO have put together some useful guidance around charity campaigning law, electoral law and more. Lloyds Bank Foundation have also produced a useful guide for small charities. The latest date that a general election can take place is 28 January 2025.
Key considerations when deciding whether to accept or refuse a donation
In March 2024, the Charity Commission published new guidance to help charities decide whether to accept, refuse or return donations.
This is an issue that many charities have had to address, and it has come into sharp focus in recent years with several high-profile media stories.
Tech Review: Canva
Drawing on their experience using tech as a charity, Charity Digital’s Tech Review series features honest reviews by staff about the tech they have used in their day-to-day lives. What does their Content Writer think about the graphic design website Canva?
Regulator tells charities to consider having an internal artificial intelligence policy
Charities may need to consider having an internal artificial intelligence (AI) policy, the Charity Commission has suggested in a newly published blog.
It notes the 2023 Charity Digital Skills report suggested that 35% of charities were already using AI for certain tasks and that a further 26% had plans to do so in the future.
How to stay cyber secure with volunteers
Discover how charities can strengthen their cyber security while working with volunteers, with help from the National Cyber Security Centre.
How to write a volunteer handbook
Explore the key steps to writing an effective volunteer handbook to help you save time and ensure a smooth and satisfying volunteer experience.
Hybrid working: preparing for the future
Hybrid working is here to stay. Charities should start to prepare for long-term remote working and ensure all staff are well-equipped and prepared for the future.
Cumberland Council Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 28/03/24 here, including:
- Cumberland Council receives funding boost for Active Travel
- Wasdale shuttlebus
- Important step in transfer of Local Enterprise Partnership functions to local authorities in Cumbria
Westmorland and Furness Council Newsletter
View the Westmorland and Furness Council newsletter from 28/03/24 here, including:
- Council welcomes £200 million Barrow investment announcement
- £406k to boost active journeys across Westmorland and Furness
- Council thanks communities and staff for support in first year
Digital Funding: 6 myths busted
This online resource from Catalyst is for anyone involved in making grant applications to fund their organisation’s digital costs. That includes funders as well as fundees.
It lists some of the myths that influence perceptions and decisions around digital funding. For each one it explains why it isn’t true, and why they are also partly true. It will help you check what you think you know about grant funding for digital costs.
Government and investors must act now to keep Britain’s local economy thriving
In this article from PA Future, Big Society Capital’s CIO Anna Shiel says the government needs to focus on local solutions to address widening inequality.
She talks about the importance of positive social impact in local areas and growing place-based impact investments, highlighting why social enterprises are so important to local economies right now.
Carlisle Eden Mind moving
Carlisle Eden Mind have moved to a new location!
They are now at 1 Victoria Place, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 1EJ. Phone numbers, website, and Facebook page plus other socials, remain the same.
Cumberland Council Newsletter
View the Cumberland Council newsletter from 24/03/24 here, including:
- Information on the elections on 2 May
- We’re committed to become Age-Friendly and joined Ageing Without Limits Day
- Recruitment launched to lead exciting £4.8m health research project
Westmorland and Furness Council Newsletter
View the Westmorland and Furness Council newsletter from 22/03/24 here, including:
- Council awarded £1.7 million to put the wheels on more bus services in 2024/25
- Healthwatch Westmorland and Furness’ projects
- Do you need help with your Council Tax?
Cumberland Council Commits to become Age-Friendly
Cumberland Council has joined the Centre for Aging Better’s network of Age-Friendly Communities, which forms part of the council’s commitment to promote respect and appreciation for individuals of all ages within the organisation, as well as be a beacon of good practice to others in the community.
Ageism is the most widespread form of discrimination in the UK. It affects people of all ages and can have a profoundly damaging impact on us as we get older. The council is therefore marking the day to help change the way people think about ageing, and help everyone to grow old with confidence.
Surveys, Research, Feedback and Reports
[NEW] Navigating digital transformation in charities
Charity Times recently released their Charity Digital Finance Report which found that digital transformation causes concern for 31% of finance professionals in the charity sector because the tools they currently have are familiar. Yet, over half of respondents do not have the tools they need to forecast ahead of a recession.
The research surveyed 1,000 finance professionals, including those in the charities and not-for-profit sector.
[NEW] Pro Bono Economics launch latest Barometer survey
Over 600 organisations across the UK responded to last quarter’s VCSE Sector Barometer survey. Answering this independent survey, produced by experts at Pro Bono Economics and Nottingham Trent University’s National VCSE Data and Insights Observatory, is hugely important. By taking part, you will help inform government, media, and many others of the pressures that charities, community groups and voluntary organisations are facing across areas such as income, people, demand and impact.
The survey takes 10 minutes to complete and the information you provide helps to give an important picture of the VCSE sector, that can be used to inform our work.
Third of charities experienced a cyber breach last year, government reports
Almost a third of charities (32%) experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack last year, according to government figures.
According to the latest Cyber Security Breaches Survey, two-thirds (66%) of charities with £500,000 or more in annual income experienced a cyber incident in the last 12 months.
Fundraising complaints to large charities plateau as face-to-face activity returns
Fundraising complaints at large charities plateaued last year despite some organisations returning to face-to-face campaigns, according to new data.
Civil Society has analysed data available from 50 of the largest fundraising charities for the past five years, with all but one now providing figures for each year.
Charity sector income rises to £90bn despite sharp drop in government grants
Charities in England and Wales saw their income collectively rise by 8.5% to £90.3bn in 2022, despite a significant drop in government grants, according to new figures.
The Charity Commission reported recently that income from government grants fell from £8.2bn in 2021 to £7bn in 2022 and went to 24% fewer charities (35,474 to 27,001).
Ethnic minority groups more likely to volunteer than white groups, study suggests
Ethnic minority groups are more likely to say they intend to volunteer in 2024 than white groups, according to a new report.
The National Lottery Community Fund (NLCF) released the full report of its community research index recently that surveyed over 8,000 respondents across the UK.
Call for evidence about the priorities of people with lived experience of poverty in the UK
GMCVO and Greater Manchester Poverty Action have been funded by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) to conduct a review that collates evidence from work that has enabled those affected by the economic injustice of poverty to articulate the issues that they face and what they feel are the most important things to invest in.
This evidence will be collated in a JRF ‘knowledge bank’ as part of a programme that seeks to act on the priority areas identified. If your organisation has been involved creating or is aware of any UK based evidence like this, we want to hear from you.
Click here to share your evidence
Charity Banking survey
NAVCA know that banking is one of the most frustrating challenges that voluntary organisations experience. Since 2021, wev’ve been working closely with partners across the voluntary sector to improve banking services for charities and voluntary organisations.
Together with UK Finance and large high street banks, the Civil Society Group has developed the Voluntary Organisation Banking Guide, a web hub that will launch soon. But we know that more and better information won’t solve the many challenges that voluntary organisations face with banking.
Respond to our survey to tell us about your experiences of banking. Your story will help us continue to advocate for better banking services for voluntary organisations.
Average charity sector salary increased by 4% last year, jobs site reports
The average salary advertised for roles in the sector increased by 4% to £36,100 last year, according to specialist jobs site CharityJob.
Its Salary Report 2024 surveyed 48,000 jobs posted on its website in 2023 compared to the 61,900 roles posted on the jobs site in 2022, a decrease of 22%.
One in six people take part in ‘political giving’, says report
One in six members of the public have given to charities to show solidarity with a political cause, according to new research.
Enthuse’s latest Donor Pulse survey reported that 17% of people had taken part in “political giving”, while the same proportion had donated to charities being criticised publicly, known as “inverse giving”.
‘Strong correlation’ between land ownership and charity survival rates, research finds
Charities that own land are more likely to survive, particularly those which operate in more deprived areas, according to new research.
Social Investment Business (SIB) found that 41% of charities in the most deprived areas of England own land, compared to 28% of those in the least deprived areas.
Fundraising Regulator tells charities to ‘tighten’ subcontracting arrangements
Charities need to “tighten” their subcontracting arrangements and focus more on due diligence and contract management, the Fundraising Regulator has said in its first ever market inquiry report.
The report, which was commissioned after a Wales Online investigation uncovered that external fundraisers were pressuring people to make donations, urges all charities to review their face-to-face fundraising processes and mitigate risks of poor practice.
Donations to charities rose to £13.9bn last year despite fewer donors, CAF reports
Charities in the UK received an estimated £13.9bn-worth of donations last year from a smaller pool of donors, according to new figures.
The £1.2bn annual increase was driven by some people giving larger amounts, rather than by more people giving to charity, according to the Charities Aid Foundation’s (CAF) UK Giving Report 2024.
Disclaimer
The information above is provided in good faith. Whilst every care is taken to ensure that it is correct, Cumbria CVS cannot accept liability for any omissions or inaccuracies and does not take responsibility for the quality for any services or products mentioned.
